When it comes to drills, selecting the right type can be a hard choice.
From corded to cordless drills, brushed to brushless, it’s nearly impossible to go without finding a drill that works for you. But not everyone has the knowledge to know what the benefits of different kinds of drills are or how they can improve the ease of any task.
That said, knowing the difference between brushed and brushless drills can help you to make the choice that is right for you. Continue on to find out how these two types of drills compare.
Related Reading: See our reviews of the best core drills for the money
Brushed Drills
Brushed drills are often thought to be the tried and true among those who frequently use power tools.
They are simple, reliable and have been around for quite some time, making them more familiar to many people.
As the name implies, they use brushes as part of the motor to allow it to function well.
Because these tools are so familiar, it can be hard for users to leave them behind.
The fact that they are relatively inexpensive, offer a decent amount of power and tend to be pretty reliable can also keep people from moving onto a bigger, better tool with more efficiency.
While they are great tools in many ways, brushed drills do also have some downsides.
They can require more maintenance, which can add to the overall cost of the device. This might mean having to replace the brushes to make sure that the drill can function to the best of its ability.
Pros
- Offer high levels of torque
- Inexpensive and easy to obtain
- Reliable
- Easy to use
- Limited dust when parts are in good shape
Cons
- Can create more dust as the parts wear out
- Regular maintenance is necessary
- Limitations on the rotor disrupt heat dissipation
- Maximum speeds can be lower
- Brushes often need to be replaced
Brushless Drills
As you may have guessed, the brushless drill doesn’t include brushes in the motor.
The concept of a brushless motor may be something you have noted or even used in other kinds of tools out there, though often they tend to be a bit larger than a drill.
These brushless drills are really the next step up when it comes to drills. They offer more power with fewer problems, less maintenance and longer lifespans.
Those who make use of them can also find that they are more comfortable due to lower levels of vibration affecting their hands.
What can be disappointing for customers is that these machines can be more expensive than the brushed variety.
Additionally, they may sometimes need more expensive batteries to ensure they can provide the most power. Those who only need to conduct simple home jobs may also find them to be more costly or powerful than they need.
Pros
- Provide an extended lifespan
- Allows for a higher level of power
- Fewer overheating issues
- Compact and easier to travel with
- Lower levels of vibration
Cons
- Can be more expensive
- Not all users have the best experiences with batteries for certain models
- Can require expensive batteries
- May not be as necessary for simple home jobs
Comparison
By comparing brushed and brushless drills, you can get a better idea about what each option has to offer.
When you aren’t familiar with just how these options compare, looking for a new drill for yourself or someone else can be quite daunting. The following subjects are worth comparing any two drills on.
Cost
When it comes to the initial price, many people are a little put off by the fact that brushless motors can be a bit more pricey than the standard brushed varieties.
However, there are a few things worth keeping in mind while you’re shopping for a drill.
While brushed drills may be less expensive initially, they tend to require more maintenance than brushless models.
Because of that, the cost of them can come up over time. Meanwhile, brushless models may have a higher up-front cost, but they don’t need as much maintenance over their lifespan, meaning that the overall cost evens out.
Efficiency
Another aspect that makes brushless models more useful to many is that they offer a higher level of power.
Ultimately, that can mean that the device requires less use, and therefore wears down at a slower speed. As a result, you don’t have to worry about replacing the drill as often.
Most of us want a high level of efficiency when it comes to our tools.
We want products that we can rely on to get the job done, offer a long life and give us few problems.
A brushless motor is a great way to get those results.
Vibration and Weight
Brushless drills are more lightweight and provide less vibration. Consequently, those who are using it get a more comfortable experience.
This is useful for the comfort of all users, and it makes these drills more friendly to those who may not have the strength to hold a heavy drill for larger jobs.
Less vibration also means less uncomfortable numbness in your hands and arms when you need to use the drill for longer periods of time.
Overall, it’s going to make your tasks much easier to get through without getting weird tingling sensations crawling up your arms.
Conclusion
Finding the best tools isn’t an easy process.
There are many different styles, brands and levels of power to choose from. However, there are often differences that can make one option better suited to you than another.
When you’re armed with the knowledge about how these differences work for the tasks you need to complete, you can find the best tool more easily.
When you’re shopping for a new drill, make sure to think about the pros and cons of both brushed and brushless motors.
That way, you can figure out which kind of drill is going to make your job easier and provide a longer working life.
